As my tenure as your Post Commander comes to a close in late June I want to thank all of you; the Board of Directors and Post Officers the Members, the Women's Auxiliary,and the Men's Auxiliary for their wonderful support. I could not have accomplished all the great things that have happened at the Post in the past year without your support.

We have been successful more than anyone could have imagined. Our membership is almost 100% - just 23 more renewals or new members to achieve this goal. The Post has passed the Department inspection with flying colors and no deficiencies. All reports and requirements such as Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy have been completed. If we can achieve the 100 percent membership quota I would be awarded the White Hat and I would wear this with PRIDE in representing our Post at all functions.

There is no doubt that our support for the Rome Community and many charities we have donated to, that our Post is held in the highest respect and regard by the Citizen's of Rome as well as our fellow Veteran's Organizations. I feel we have the best Post in the State of New York. I cannot take credit for this, the credit belongs to all of you. Any organization is only as good as the dedication and involvement of it's members. No one does more for the Veteran's than the VFW.

In closing I ask for your complete support for out incoming Commander, Paul Evans. I am sure that Paul is going to carry forward the momentum and the great strides we have accomplished in the past year in terms of the mission of the VFW as well as the positive social atmosphere we enjoy at the Post. I am not going anywhere and intend to be instrumental in supporting and advising Paul and will be on the Board of Directors.